Migration to New Zealand rises 13%

Migration to New Zealand rises 13%According to the latest figures released, New Zealand's inbound net migration has recorded an increase of 13 per cent on an annual basis, which is its highest level in a decade.

China became the biggest source of net migrants for the first time for the country after overtaking Australia and the UK. New Zealand gained a seasonally adjusted 3,500 net new migrants in February, which is the highest number of net new migrants since April 2003 compared to up from 3,100 in January.

According to Statistics New Zealand, the here was a net outflow of 600 people to Australia in February compared to 850 in January. On the annual basis, New Zealand net migration recorded an increase of 13 per cent to 96,900 people during the year till February and departures fell 20 per cent to 67,800.

China has become the largest source of net migration for the first time in a decade with a net gain of 6,100 people, ahead of India with more than 5,800. The number of migrants from China is now higher than the UK.